A Dialogue was conducted at POC on 'Legality and morale of
Capital punishment' on 13th September jointly by the Vigilance
Commission of KCBC and the Loyola Institute of Peace and
International Relations. Rev. Fr. Varghese vallikkat, KCBC Secretary
General and Director of POC presided over the function. Dr. Rose
Varghese, Vice Chancellor, National University of Advanced Legal
Studies, Cochin inaugurated the programme. Dr. K N Chnadrasekhara
Pillai, Ex Vice Chancelllor,NUANS Cochin, Adv. A Jayasankar, Media
Analyst, and Dr. Mathew Illathuparambil, Rector St. Joseph Pontifical
Seminary Mangalappuzha presented papers in the subject. Rev. Saju
Kuthodiputhenpurayil CST, Secretary KCBC Vigilannce Commission
and Rev. Fr. Binoy Pichalakkat SJ, Director Loyoal Institute of Peace
and International Relations also spoke.
In the Dialogue, suggestions came for the need of changing the system of punishment in accordance
with the changing culture. It was
pointed out that some countries have
dispensed with the Capital
punishment. But it was also observed
that Capital punishment become
essential in rare grave cases and very
cruel crimes as those cannot be
encouraged any way. The suggestion of
imprisonment till death also was
suggested as an alternate, considering
the value of life of man. The panel
recommended an amendment by the
Parliament in this regard.